September 27 marks the launch of the LIGNA.Innovation Network (LIGNA.IN) – a new digital format for the international woodworking and wood processing industry. In the face of the ongoing challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, this digital event, combining an expo with a series of conferences and networking opportunities, is being warmly embraced by the industry. Companies like Biesse, Bürkle, Dieffenbacher, Fagus-Grecon Greten, Homag, Hymmen Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, Imos, the Dresden-based Institute for Wood Technology (IHD), LEUCO, Mafell, Minda, SCM, Siemens, Siempelkamp, Spänex, Steinemann, Stela Laxhuber, Weima, Weinig and 20-20 have already committed to presenting their equipment, products and innovations at the LIGNA.Innovation Network.

And the motivation is clear: “In a LIGNA year, the industry feels the need to discuss current trends, showcase innovations and network with interested players,” says Christian Pfeiffer, Global Director LIGNA & Woodworking Shows at Hannover-based Deutsche Messe. “Whenever conditions are changing, we need to work together to find new answers to make our industry marketplace, in this case LIGNA, sustainable. The LIGNA.Innovation Network is an ideal example of such a new, jointly conceptualized response.”

Raphaël Prati, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Biesse Group in Italy, underscores the significance of the digital format: “LIGNA has succeeded in positioning itself as a key point of reference for the global woodworking industry. Its success is based on its ability to adapt to changes in the industry as well as to the latest technological developments. The LIGNA.Innovation Network is a clear example of this adaptation, and Biesse is taking the same approach. The digital event, as well as the entire LIGNA platform, is a key factor in our go-to-market plans, because it gives us a unique opportunity to engage with the global industry to showcase our new solutions.”

In addition to the expo and networking segments of the event, the LIGNA.Innovation Network's two-day conference program also offers new formats for learning about the latest trends and making new contacts – for example, a series of interactive conferences will be broadcast live from the two H’Up stages in Hall 18 at the Hannover Exhibition Center. These events will replicate the well-known LIGNA Wood Industry Summit for the primary industry as well as the LIGNA.Forum for the secondary industry.

The content of the two-day conference program is based on the focal topics for LIGNA. The Wood Industry Summit Digital will focus on “Process Technologies of the Bioeconomy”, highlighting the economic and technical innovations resulting from new ways of working and processing wood, as a key renewable resource. In addition to the political framework conditions for the expansion of sustainable and circular wood use as a pillar of a sustainable bioeconomy, new ideas for the use of wood as a raw material, the promotion of start-up companies and the market launch of new products, the use of wood in construction and the implementation of the first wood-based biorefinery in Germany will be highlighted. Another focus is on the digitalisation of process chains in the forestry and timber industry as well as innovations in the field of sawmill technology.

The LIGNA.Forum Digital will feature recognized experts on the focal topics of transformation in woodworking and prefabrication processes in timber construction. The agenda will include presentations on robotics in the wood and furniture industry and the production of a sample piece of furniture using RFID technology. Visitors will also be able to see how digitalization can be used to carry out project business, commercial business and contract work with the same resources, from order entry to planning, production and assembly. Trends and developments in flooring production will also be discussed.

On the third day of the event, the DIPA Symposium, put on by the Digital Printing Association, will be streamed live from the H’Up stages as a hybrid event. The conference, featuring presentations and panel discussions in English and German covering the latest trends and reporting from the field including presentations, will provide answers to the topic of “Creating Your Own Surfaces”. It is designed to encourage networking between interested parties and companies who are already successfully taking advantage of digital printing or are planning to do so in the near future.

Further information on the event is available via the link below: